b'Consumers Open Up to Gene Edited FoodsAt the American Seed Trade Associations Vegetable and Flower Conference, businesses talk about consumer preferences towards gene edited foods. Alex MartinWHEN IT COMESto gene edited foods, the worlds youring gene edited products, where they reviewed and issued the oyster. Though the agriculture community was worrieddetermination of a nonregulated status within 36 hours. about the reception of vegetables created using gene editing While there are a number of countries embracing the tech-particularly due to the publics reactions to GMOsconsumersnology, theres another set of countries where wed say there are are more open to the idea of products created by gene editing,opportunities for improvementthats the best way to put it, according to panelists at the American Seed Trade AssociationsNawn says.(ASTA) Vegetable and Flower Conference.Mexico, the U.S.s second-largest agricultural export market, Over the last 10 years, companies like North Hill Groupahasnt started contemplating or drafting gene editing regula-business that helps seed businesses and plant breeding busi- tions. South Korea, the fifth largest agricultural export market, nesses file their gene edited products for regulatory approval has drafted revisions which are currently pending, but as they have seen an uptick in product submissions. stand now, they call for a complicated system and review pro-Ten years ago, you had a very narrow set of companiescess. Nawn also sees it nearly impossible to imagine a future making 90% of regulatory filings for a narrow set of products,where gene edited products are regulated more efficiently than says Jeff Nawn, CEO of North Hill Group. Today, its somethingGMOs in the EU as well as China. like literally dozens of companies around the world developingThough the conversation might be difficult to broach with products such as coffee, blackberries, cabbage, mustard greens,consumers, Bayers Lee Quarles sees a path forward to take con-potatoes, chili peppers, apples Just about everything you cantrol of the conversation. Unlike the early days of GMOs, where imagine looking at disease resistance, productivity and con- the industry thought the science could speak for itself, with the sumer traits. onset of online presence and messaging, joining the conversa-Nawn says if your company is working towards gene editedtion is important.products or you work in the seed sector, its exciting news, espe- With the advent of social and online spaces, weve really cially as gene editing seems to be accepted by more countriesleaned back into the conversation to work to take it back, than GMOs were at one point in time. Quarles, global insights and research lead for Bayer, says. Its a In fact, most of the gene editing pioneers wouldnt be com- great opportunity for all of us in this space to continue to identify panies youd think of immediately in terms of agriculture innova- ways to communicate.tions. Countries like Guatemala and Honduras are leading theQuarles notes that in the discussion of new agricultural way to adopting more positive regulations towards gene editing.innovations, there are three voices that really move the needle: Were finding well educated, highly curious people that wantregulatory authorities, science leaders and the rise of a new seg-to understand the products that are being developed, Nawnmentnutritionists and dietitians. says, adding that Guatemala holds the fastest record for approv- When it comes down to it, Quarles saw one important thing 24/ SEEDWORLD.COMLATAM'